CPhI News: SABIC launches special HDPE for pharma drums

It has worked with container supplier Mauser on drums that offer safer ingredient transport

The new grade HDPE was developed for containers used to transport materials such as pharmaceutical ingredients

Netherlands-based polymers producer SABIC has developed a grade of high density polyethylene (HDPE) intended to meet the demands typically required of large containers used in healthcare applications.

Developed in close cooperation with Mauser, a Germany-based supplier of blow moulded industrial packaging solutions, the polymer HDPE PCG4906 can be used for such products as jerry cans, open-head and tight-head drums, and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), as well as for blow moulded bottles.

Relevant European and US pharmacopeia requirements are met by the polymer. Furthermore, it has the physical and mechanical properties required by customers for the production of containers with volumes up to 1000 litres.

The first drums produced by Mauser in the new grade meet requirements based on UN recommendations covering transport of dangerous goods. Procedures involve stacking, drop tests at -18°C, and hydraulic internal pressure tests.

Klaus Peter Schmidt, head of Global Product Development at Mauser, said: ‘We are confident that SABIC HDPE PCG4906 will meet an important need in the healthcare market. With our new multilayer L-Ring drum produced from this new SABIC grade we are not only targeting healthcare but also other industries with high demands in regard to packaging material cleanliness, regulatory conformity and last but not least long term supply security.'